The Coral
Move Through The Dawn

"Move Through The Dawn" is the second album of an hypothetical "phase two" for The Coral, which began with the previous (and convincing) "Distance Inbetween," the first record after Lee Southall's departure (a loss that followed the much more significant departure of guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones in 2007).

Two years ago, "Distance Inbetween" was presented to the public as a strong statement of intent; it was a very dark record, unusually heavy by the standards of the British band, and revolved around unusual psych rock fascinations. Now, with the new album, it's time to definitively return to the light, and James Skelly and company have crafted an absolute jewel, arguably the band's best record since the masterpiece "Butterfly House."

The lead single "Sweet Release" erroneously suggested a further push towards fully realized rock 'n roll; in reality, on the rest of the album, the guys revisit well-worn paths, but they do so with a class and inspiration they haven't exhibited in years, and with a newfound brightness, certified by the opening duo "Eyes Like Pearls" / "Reaching Out For A Friend." Above all, the star of "Eyes Of The Moon" really shines, a full return to the sound atmospheres and especially the inspiration of that undeniable gem "Magic & Medicine."

While "Outside My Window" is the only track that truly recovers the psych sound of the previous album, "Strangers In The Hollow" and especially "She's A Runaway" turn back the clock to the "Butterfly House" period without the songwriting lacking in flair or inspiration compared to back then. "Stormbreaker" continues more or less in the same vein, adding a few nods to prog, before closing with the second single "After The Fair," crafted with a very pleasing and apt fingerpicking.

With this new work, The Coral decidedly return to levels more befitting their talent; great news, considering that at full capacity, they are a band fully capable of producing instant classics of absolute caliber. Welcome back, definitely.

Best track: "Eyes Of The Moon"